Grey Matters

The Magazine of Grey College Association  February 2012

ABOVE: Linda Johnson drew this image of Grey College in 1979, since then not much has changed other that the regimental growth of the trees, but with the first phase of the Jubilee Development Project due to be completed during 2012 the structural appearance of the Hollingside building will be significantly altered for the first time in 52 years.

A Letter from the New Association President

Dear Association Members,

Welcome to this edition of Grey Matters. It’s all change at Grey at the moment, the election of myself as Association President possibly the most insignificant of them all. We have a new Master, Professor Tom Allen, we have the first phase of the Jubilee Development Project nearing completion and the JCR has now become a registered charity in order to secure a continued level of autonomy from the University centre. You’ll ABOVE: Thomas Cliff, Association President find articles on each of these developments in the following pages. Facebook and Linked-in communities. In the College we have continued to support the For those of you who don’t know me I want to three common rooms with a range of start by introducing myself. My name is activities including: sponsored formals, Thomas Cliff and I graduated from Grey in extended the number of travel bursaries, 2001 with a Chemistry Degree, since then I’ve continued delivery of the careers day for had a successful career as a Management graduating students and we’ve continued to Consultant working in London and the North develop and expand our Business Angels East, where I am now based. During this time scheme. I’ve also maintained a strong relationship with Of course none of this would be possible the College including being a College Mentor without the ongoing support of the College (formally College Tutor). Before my election and the assistance of the Association’s as President I was secretary of the Association Executive Officers and to all of them I offer for nine years working with past Presidents to my thanks. develop the Association and introduce initiatives such as the Business Angels Scheme Finally I want to take this opportunity to ask and the London Reunion. During my you to join us to continue to make Grey Presidency I want to continue to develop the College the best and most connected College Association and work with the younger with its Alumni in Durham, whether it is by members of our alumnus to make our events attending a one of our reunions, becoming a more appealing to our new members whilst Business Angel, contributing to the next maintaining the elements that continue to edition of Grey Matters, holding your own make our Association one of the most active smaller reunion or by making a donation to and engaging in the University. the next phase of the Jubilee Development Project, I’d welcome your support. Grey is a During the last year we have continued to great place and I want everyone who wants deliver a wide range of services and activities to, have the opportunity to continue to make for both Alumni and current College members it so. alike. For our Alumni we have held two highly THOMAS CLIFF successful reunions in Durham and London as well as extending our reach by developing our Association President

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 First Impressions of Grey

Professor Tom Allen on his first term as Master My first official day was October 1: the same day that the Freshers arrived. I don't think I could have picked a better day to start. I've been at Durham for most of the last twenty years, but seeing the excitement of the freshers, the enthusiasm of the freshers' helpers, and the dedication of the staff was something special. As first impressions go, it was the best. ABOVE: Professor Tom Allen, Master Things have been a bit quieter since then – Durham's success is down to many things, but but not that much quieter! The JCR, MCR and the strength of the College system is one of SCR have been running a steady programme the most important. Grey must continue to of events, and new things are happening all do what it has always done: give its members the time. To take just a couple of examples, the chance to lead the richest lives possible, our JCR is starting an impressive outreach so that being at university becomes much project called 'Grey in the Community', which more than being in the classroom. will bring disabled children into the campus for a day of sports and other activities. The The Alumni are central to this. Already, many MCR have started a new series of research of you have been very generous with your seminars given by Grey's own postgrad time in supporting the College. We have students. The SCR has run some very Alumni serving as Mentors, Business Angels, successful public lectures, including Max Ziff's members of the JCR and the Grey Trust talk on the EU financial crisis and another, for boards, and as members of the College and this term, from Martin Ward on the Ultimate University Councils. Many of you have also Fate of the Universe (any relationship donated generously to the Grey Trust. The between the two is purely coincidental). Trust is tremendously important to Grey: we would not have our programme of visiting Looking forward, we need to ensure that Grey fellows, and many of our clubs and societies continues to thrive. This is a period of would not be as strong as they are. tremendous change in Higher Education. On the positive side, the University as a whole is Thanks to the Grey Trust, Phase I of the in excellent shape. Durham is one of the very Jubilee Project - the extensions to the JCR and best universities in the UK, and it is developing the Victor Watts Library - is nearly complete. a reputation as one of the best in the world. It Phase II will include several projects. One of is investing heavily in education, and that them will focus on improvements to investment is having an effect: applications Fountains Hall. It gets plenty of use, but the from UK students for undergraduate places years have taken their toll and it is not what it are higher than ever, despite the rise in tuition should be. We would like refurbish it, do fees. It is the same story with the some remodelling, and add a mezzanine floor. international and postgraduate students: fees This will allow us to put in a decent gym and have also gone up, but it seems that demand create some space for art exhibits and other to get into Durham is as strong as ever, if not activities. In the other part of Phase II, we will stronger. be adding space elsewhere in College to accommodate more fellows. Fellows add so much to College life: this year, we have

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 welcomed people like Professor Marius Roome applications to Durham. The University has a and Dr Sandra Escher, who are experts in the good programme of financial support, but we treatment of auditory hallucinations. need some flexibility in College to help the Professor Mik Bickis, of the University of students that might slip between the cracks. Saskatchewan, joined us as our Alan Richards We also want to support our student clubs Fellow in Mathematics, and Ann Rachlin came and societies: for many students, joining one back to Grey to launch her new book, Edy was of the clubs and societies at Grey makes their a Lady. We are commissioning designs for life at University truly memorable. The Trust Phase II at the moment, and I hope to be able has helped out in the past, and hopes to to share them with you soon. continue doing so.

I am hoping that we can revive the chaplaincy, Finally, I would like to congratulate Henry and give it a focus on outreach and leadership. Dyson, who was given the Dunelmensis award Ideally, a Chaplain would link two important by the University on January 12th. The award aims: first, to ensure that Grey College and its is made to Alumni who have demonstrated a students become a force for change in the dedicated and prolonged service to the broader community; and secondly, to give the University. It is a very high honour: the students an opportunity to develop their University only makes one award each year, understanding of the role of faith and and as Martyn's oration shows, nobody compassion in leadership. Whether this will deserved it more than Henry. It was also be possible depends on our ability to raise entirely fitting that it was presented by funds, as University resources are limited. another Grey alumnus, our Vice-Chancellor Chris Higgins. The Trust is also working to ensure that financial worries do not distract our current Professor Tom Allen students from their studies, or discourage Master, Grey College

Reflecting on 8 Years at Grey

Professor Martyn Chamberlain on stepping down as master of Grey As many of you will know 2011 was our last providing a place where the paste the present year at Grey College. I find it hard to believe and the future overlapped in to one stream. that, almost eight years ago, a rather elderly removal van from Nelson’s of Durham left our Eight years as Master out of fifty-two years old house in Leeds and made its way slowly up history is not a long time; but sufficient, I the A1 to our new Home in Hollingside Lane. think, to strengthen my impression that our The arrival of the van coincided, amazingly, College is indeed a community of scholars with the funeral service of Isobel Holgate, the where, as Edmund Burke famously put it, widow of our first Master. This was just about there is a covenant between its former, to take place next door in the College Chapel present and future members. Furthermore in Fountains Hall. Whilst rushing around there is the deeply-appreciated work done for trying to find a suit somewhere amongst the all by all the College officers, staff and unopened packing cases, so that I would take members of the three common rooms. my place respectably on the back row of the Chapel, it occurred to me quite forcefully that I was about to join a community where the continuity of life was a distinctive feature,

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 our College in a way that simply does not happen at other UK institutions. Their commitment has helped us all achieve so much: a successful Business Angels scheme; a convivial High Table; a Senior Common Room that is the envy of other Durham Colleges; a well-funded Fellowships programme; improvements in the facilities of the College (such as the new JCR and Library extensions); generous grants made to junior members for self-development projects, and for equipment for clubs and societies; and an environment beautified for all by art and music. But so much more has to be done: ensuring that the College welcomes all who are qualified and gain a place, irrespective of financial background or home circumstances; that the plans for new capital works are carried through successfully to provide accommodation for visiting academics and improved student facilities in Fountains Hall. I sincerely hope that all of these aspirations can be realised in the future; and that Grey can ABOVE: Professor Martyn chamberlain and his wife flourish as the most friendly, successful, Sarah in the garden at Fountains Cottage tolerant and enlightened College in Durham Another distinguishing feature of the spirit of that genuinely equips its students for the Grey, that made a significant impact on me at future as well-rounded, generous and an early stage, is the immense diversity of accomplished individuals talent, backgrounds and accomplishments that its members, especially its junior As we move on, Sarah and I will both members, possess. In recent years Grey men remember, with gratitude: the time we spent and women have increased the College’s at Grey College; the friendships we have reputation in all of the areas in which they are forged; the extraordinary people we have met; involved; be it academic research, charitable and the new skills and talents we have work, music, drama and art. Long may this discovered (or, perhaps, re-discovered) within spirit of Grey continue. ourselves. So, wherever your journeys may take you, I hope that you have gained Another hugely important factor in the life of something from your time at Grey and, to the College has, of course, been the role that those who were at Grey between October has been played by volunteers, which includes 2003 and September 2011, I thank you for the both members of the College and friends and privilege of working with you and hope that visitors drawn from so many walks of life and you will take away happy memories, just as parts of the world. I sometimes wonder if the we have. University realises how important these good Professor Martyn Chamberlain folks are, and how much they enrich the life of Former Master, Grey College

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 Grey Junior Common Room - An Independent Charity

This is possibly the most exciting year in the Junior Common Room’s history. In the summer of 2011, we registered as an independent charity following overwhelming support from students. This was certainly a bold move, with the University making its preference for a merger between the Common Room and the University clear. On one side lay the ‘Durham Student Organisation’ (DSO) framework – a new ‘one size fits all’ governance structure designed to bring the Colleges under a single model in the wake of changes to charity law in 2006. This option seemed to offer stability and continuity, but in actuality was deemed to threaten the JCR’s financial and executive independence. The JCR and the University would effectively become one organisation, our Student Union status Above: Josh Turner - JCR President becoming increasingly unmanageable. On the Durham, to the opening of Jubilee other side lay the uncertain and untested Development Project buildings funded to the option of becoming a charitable trust, with sum of £100,000 by the JCR - the Common the risks and liabilities of such a move being Room has proven itself to be made of sturdy taken on by the students themselves. After stuff. But more important than the recent four years of deliberation and careful developments is to establish exactly what is at consideration, and with some truly excellent stake for future generations of students at support from the Alumni of Grey College the Grey. In the period leading up to registration charity option won out. Grey JCR had with the Charity Commission, we were heavily demonstrated a clear passion for autonomy criticised by other Colleges who saw the move and a governance model in which the student as foolhardy. What we were in fact striving to is the focus. The DSO framework was do was to establish a unique culture at Grey, fundamentally unpopular for one reason – it one in which current students of the College seemed to present a large potential for a place their faith in their Alumni for guidance conflict of interest between the student-led and support under the model of charitable concerns of the JCR and University policy. The trusteeship. The rewards of independence and charity route, by contrast, proved popular for charitable status for current members of the the chief reason that it preserved the ability of JCR depend upon on Grey students past and Grey College students to thrive in challenging present – a continuing community of people roles alongside their academic studies, taking who understand why this place means so responsibility for their student activities and much to those who pass through those doors. the direction of their own JCR. It is a truly inspirational model, and one which, for my part, I will endeavour to embed It’s been nearly eight months since we and strengthen in my brief time in this received our charitable status, and I am wonderful place. delighted to report that the Common Room continues to go from strength to strength. Josh Turner From a new community scheme attracting visits from figures such as the Mayor of JCR President

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012

ABOVE: Grey College in the Snow, November 2010 by Natasha Coral (Natural Sciences Graduate, 2011) Senior Common Room News

The SCR, in 2011, had perhaps its most lively eruptions’ by Max Ziff, Head of Financial year yet, with a wide variety of activities. The Advisory Services of Houlihan-Lokey. Then weekly Formal Dinners held on Wednesday Matthew Jackson surprised us by a talk on the evenings have continued to be very well ‘Hidden Wonders of Korea’. The first talk of attended and much enjoyed; they have the Easter term was entitled ‘Durham City’, generated a warm and friendly atmosphere. In given by Seif El Rashidi, who is the co- June, a special SCR dinner was held to say ordinator of the Durham World Heritage Site, goodbye to Martyn and Sarah Chamberlain. and then Ann Rachlin enraptured us with We were able to thank them for their ‘Music - the Food of Life’, and the term exceptional service to Grey College, and to finished with a talk ‘What has the human the SCR in particular. They both will be greatly genome project done for us’ by Sushma missed. Indeed, Sarah served as a wonderful Grellscheid, who is very active in such Secretary to the SCR. A role now filled by Dr research. Also during the term Iain Kerr again Dave Clark. In October we welcomed the new entertained us with an outstanding and Master of the College, Professor Tom Allen, unique piano cabaret, and Brian Whitton gave and his family, and are already benefiting an expert talk on the ‘Paintings of John from their enthusiastic support of the SCR. Tunnard’, so people could appreciate in depth the art exhibition of his works that was being On three Sundays each term we continued to held in the College. The Michaelmas term have illustrated talks of general interest, commenced with a very topical talk by Max preceded by an SCR lunch. The talks have Ziff on ‘The Greek euro crisis’. About 180 SCR been given by real experts on each topic, and members and students attended this talk – have been of an exceptionally high standard Max has, as I write, through his firm, just been and extremely informative. The year started appointed to a pivotal official role in advising with a talk on ‘Cartoons’ by David Haldane, Greece how best to meet its financial targets. the well known cartoonist of The Times, The next SCR talk was on ‘Medieval Castles’ followed by ‘Iceland: Financial and Volcanic given by Michael Prestwich, one of the

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 foremost experts on medieval history. The Tom Allen, the new Master, and his family, put year finished with a talk on the ‘Extrasolar on an extremely well-attended buffet for very planets and extraterrestrial life’ by Chris Done, young, and not so young, family members. herself an expert on Black Holes, and a very The art exhibitions arranged in the College enthusiastic speaker. We are doing our best to each term by Henry Dyson, which are open to ensure that as many members as possible of all, are specially coordinated with SCR events the JCR and MCR and are very participate in much apprec- these general iated by SCR cultural events. members. The talks are open to the Many new mem- public and are bers have joined advertised in the the SCR in the local press. past year, from Town, Gown and Throughout the Alumni. They year the SCR has have benefited, benefited from and contributed the presence of to, the excep- several Visiting tionally friendly University Fell- and homely at- ows who have ABOVE: The first SCR Dinner of the Epiphany Term 2012 attended by the mosphere which stayed in the majority of the executive committee of the SCR including the Master, Tom pervades the College for a Allen, the SCR and JCR Presidents and Henry Dyson. College. Indeed, term. we welcome new members from all walks of life who have an Members of the SCR have also arranged interest in, or may contribute to, collegiate special events which have been well activities. In particular, we wish to emphasize supported and enjoyed. Richard Hilton and that Alumni from near, and far, who would John Coates again organised a croquet like to join the SCR are especially welcome. evening and buffet in the Master’s garden on a More details about the SCR can be found at very sunny summer evening. Stewart Clark www.greyscr.co.uk and those wishing to join held a Whisky Tasting evening just before should contact Peter Swift at Christmas and as usual amazed the [email protected] participants with his knowledge of the malts. We are pleased to see that these are Alan Martin becoming annual events. Before the annual President, Senior Common Room firework display, Henry Dyson together with Contributions

If you would like to contribute to Grey Matters, perhaps with memories of your time in Durham, or anything else that may be relevant to our Alumni, please contact the Editor, Foster Neville.

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 From the Ashes

From the Ashes by Nigel Watson is the illustrated history of Grey College - its genesis, buildings, masters, dons, fellows and students and will be enjoyed and treasured by anyone associated with Grey College. It is available from the College by completing the order form below or by emailing Kellie Stephenson, College Secretary, on [email protected]. Return the form to: Kellie Stephenson, Grey College, South Road, Durham DH1 3LG with a cheque payable to “University of Durham (Grey College Trust)”. Totals Delivery Details

Please send me ____ copies: Name: ______£______£30.00 each

Postage & packing per copy: Address: UK £4.50 ______Europe £5.50 ______Rest of World £9.50 £______

Total Enclosed £______Post Code: ______

Phone: ______

E-mail: ______

ABOVE: Durham Castle and Cathedral, from Elvet by Natasha Coral (Natural Sciences Graduate 2011)

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 Refurbishments in Grey Bar

Matt Birket JCR Bar Chair on the recent improvements... A place of memories, perhaps for some, but Grey Bar has nonetheless awaited a bit of an update with that old, dishevelled carpet and lack of seating deterring the punters! Now with a brand new wood-effect floor, extensive fixed seating and all-new tables there is nothing to stop anyone from coming to make use of the refurbished bar we all love. There is also a new selection of beers available, and sports matches are regularly shown on the big screen. In November 2011, Grey Bar was also awarded “Best University Bar” at the Best Bar None awards ceremony, and this just reinforces what a fantastic drinking establishment it is. Welcoming students old and new, Grey Bar continues to provide a central hub for socializing whilst enjoying an extensive range of drinks.

Matt Birkett

JCR Bar Chair

BELOW & LEFT: Images of the refurbished College bar, including the return of the infamous fixed seating in “The Corner”

Association AGM The AGM of Grey College Association will be held on Saturday 24th March 2012 in Grey College. Full details and the agenda are available from our Secretary, Steve Gregory or on the website www.greyassociation.com

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 Grey College Reunion 2012

The annual Grey College Reunion will take place on the weekend of 23rd to 25th March 2012 at Grey College. The Grand Reunion Dinner will be held on Saturday 24th March, attendance at the dinner is free for anyone who graduated in 2011.

Contact email/phone: ______

Dietary Requirements: ______

Accommodation (all prices per room per night, including breakfast) 23rd 24th 25th

Single standard room £30

Single en-suite room £40

Twin standard room £60

Grand Reunion Dinner (excluding wine) £35

Years you Studied at Grey College ______to ______

Completed booking forms and cheques (made payable to “Grey College Association”) should be sent to Julie Bushby at Grey College, South Road, Durham DH1 3LG; phone 0191 334 5591; or by email: [email protected]

Grey College Trust

The Grey College Trust was set up for the benefit the College benefit of Grey College in the 1980s and plays and be assured that an important role in supporting Grey College, the Trustees will do its students, its fabric and its development. their very best to Various appeals have been launched and honour your memory developed under its auspices. Currently we and your wishes. You have The Jubilee Development Appeal. may also give something in your If you wish to give money to the College and own lifetime, you do so through the Trust then for every specifying how you £100 you give we can claim an extra £20 in wish the money to be the Gift Aid scheme if you are a UK taxpayer. spent. For further If you would like to leave something for the details please contact the Master, Tom Allen: College in your will you may do so by a [email protected]. bequest to the Grey College Trust. You may specify how you would prefer the money to

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 Business Angels

The “Business Angels" scheme was launched in website, and we are keen to develop this April 2005, with 45 Alumni who had aspect. We are also still looking for offers of volunteered (or been coerced) to offer internships or work experience placements. practical careers advice to students at Grey. Without this kind of experience, today's Almost 7 years later, the band of Angels has students are finding their search for the right grown to just under 350, and advice is job for them is made even more difficult, so if available for those considering postgraduate you can help in this area (or know someone studies and work abroad, as well as 30 or so else who can), please get in touch. business areas/professions. The Association also runs a Job Application The break-down of our Angels is interesting, workshop in November each year, offering and it is particularly good to see how many of help with CVs, interview techniques and the most recent leavers are signing up to help, suchlike - Tom Cliff is always pleased to have which seems to indicate that they feel the volunteers to work on that. As always, one of scheme is useful and worth supporting; the major problems is getting people to update the information which is posted on the 1960s leavers = 21 Angels website; if you change company, get a 1970s leavers = 25 new position, or have a new e-mail address, 1980s leavers = 20 please let us know! 1990s leavers = 42 2000s leavers = 184 Oh, and please don't think that just because 2010/11 leavers = 51 we have so many Angels, we don't want you to sign up. Remember the old Grey motto, As well as posting a profile for students to and "get involved" - it really is a great way to read, and offering the opportunity for e-mail put something back into a very special place contact on specific queries, a number of Business Angels have written short articles on Steve gregory aspects of their own careers for the JCR Association Secretary

ABOVE: Morning at Prebends Bridge, November 2010 by Natasha Coral (Natural Sciences Graduate 2011)

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 Grey after 50 years

1962 was a vintage year although we didn’t developed relationships that meant they were know it at the time. September saw a gaggle “forced” to live amongst girls at Mary’s. At of 14 ex-grammar school lads who just first they locked the doors at 11pm, but when happened to sit together in the JCR be this didn’t work they decided to pop-rivet the introduced to each other by Dr Pennington windows shut at ground level to prevent us who’s party trick was to greet everyone to from getting in. Grey by their first name, a feat even then. Yet despite all these distractions we thrived A common, in the nicest sense of the word, and some even came away with Firsts and background, pulled us together in our new 2:1s. And then after the quickest three years I strange environment. Some on the fringe of can remember we all went our separate ways, the group didn’t quite fit with the drink, work but not before signing up, for 10 shillings I (a bit), drink ethos and fell by the wayside. think, to the Grey College Association (at the However, the group developed despite varied time the Greymens’ Association). Over the extra-curricular interests and academic first few years we returned to College on a interruptions we regular basis, really settled in although our and started to group began to enjoy our time at shrink as some Grey, although seemed relu- this did on ctant to re- occasions, result kindle old mem- in one or more of ories and never us being sum- returned. Then moned by the suddenly and scary hand of the unexpectedly we legendary Master, suffered the Dr Syd Holgate, tragic loss of one to discuss our of our core, but mis-demeanours that brought the in his study and ABOVE: Members of the Darlington Mob captured in this photograph rest even closer taken outside Elvet c.1962. From left to right: be issued with Back row: Alan Crozier, John Sparks, Alan Jones, Mike Rose, Roger Leaver together. Mar- sage advice and Middle row: David M Lee, J Roger Hobson, Chris Browitt, Geoff Tate riages, then kids, the odd fine. Front row: Ken Smith, David Greenhalgh, D Brian Chambers, A Joe developing car- Honeyman, Alan Bell eers saw us I recall that everything was sixpence in the eventually bring our families into the circle university café in town and a supper license at and we had our own group anniversaries with the New Inn supplemented our formal meals Dr and Mrs Holgate who remembered the in College. In that Michealmas term we Darlington Mob's past antics in College with, I travelled to the Hoppings at our university feel, some affection. cousins in Newcastle, but no one remembers what we did after the fair, or how we got As the years have gone by our links with our home. extended group of College contemporaries have faded, so we decided to continue to hold As the time passed we enjoyed the social our own yearly celebrations in comfortable highlights of Grey Day and the Raft Race and surroundings and we now travel the UK in in the second and third years some of us search of good food and wine.

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 We are now mainly six in number, plus wives, when ever and where ever we meet we look yes we are mainly with the same ones, and we back on our three years at College as being meet up every year, there is always a little one of the happiest periods in our lives and we reminiscing and we certainly put the world to make sure we raise our glasses to Grey rights. It does take us a little longer and a College. little bit more drink to conjure up the old Grey bar songs, but we inevitably get there and J Roger Hobson Alan Bell relive our times at Grey. Needless to say Grey College 1962-1965

The “Mature” Cheese Society - Camembert Sur La Mer

Grey College’s Cheese Socitey is one of the "It was a cracking day and I think everyone most popular societies the College has ever had a great time. I got a bit cheesed off when had. As a result it was inevitable that a I saw someone nosing the Gruyere but I soon Mature Cheese Society would be formed and set them straight and apart from that the with it a collection of global sub branches, event went off without a hitch." Steve Baker (1996-2001) and Paul Killigrew (1996-2000) report on the success of the Sydney branch...

After the success of the Grey College Mature Cheese Society's Winter Wonderland of Cheese in 2010 for our next event the Executive Committee (Paul Killigrew, Grande Fromage and Steve Baker, Social Fromage) decided to aim even higher and during September 2011 we held the most hotly anticipated cheese event in the southern hemisphere's spring social calendar - Camembert sur la mer.

The beautiful beachside resort of Bronte was chosen to host the event and a select number of Grey College’s cheesiest Sydneysiders were handpicked to savour the most sumptuous The Executive Committee already have their assortment of cheeses ever to be showcased thinking caps on for next year's event so on the eastern seaboard. watch this space - as ever the event will be big, bold and cheesey and if you live near Guests brought cheeses from around world Sydney you'd be crackers to miss it! and a beverage to match and this great bounty was shared among all who attended. As ever this was a premium cheese event with no supermarket fare allowed within a cooee Paul Killigrew Steve Baker (think D'Affinois not Dairylea, Brie not Bega!) Grande Fromage Social Fromage A marvelous time was had by all and it was late into the evening when the final piece of Pecorino was polished off. A satisfied Grande Fromage had this to say about the event:

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 Grey in the Community

This year saw the Junior Common Room launch 'Grey in the Community' (GITC), a society bridging the College with the local community through volunteering and service projects. The brainchild of JCR President, Josh Turner and Hannah Langton, a second year Modern Languages student, the group was instantly popular among the student body drawing interest from experienced volunteers and newcomers alike.

Despite its recent inception, the group has with 36 young disabled adults. The day will already started visiting St Michaels Primary include a morning of curling, zumba, tag School, engaging with the children through rugby, virtual biking and rowing at Maiden creative activities, as well as beginning prison Castle, lunch in College, an afternoon of live visits to Holme House Prison near Queen's music, 'chillout' and crafts in Fountains Hall, Campus in Stockton. Plans are to roll out and finally an awards ceremony with a local several new projects over this epiphany term, celebrity to top off the day. including Grey Cheerleaders leading a project in local schools and a tea party for elderly Grey in the Community are eager to expand, residents at Hallgarth Care Centre. Last, but so if you know of any opportunities, or think by no means least an eager group of 15 Grey you could point us in the right direction, students have been busy working in please get in touch with Chris Blois-Brooke at collaboration with Experience Durham and [email protected] Durham County Council to organise the Katie Dougal inaugural 'Grey in the Community Sports Day' Grey in the Community

Durham University Confers Award on Henry Dyson

In January 2012 Henry University. The following text is the Dyson (Arts Combined, nomination presented by Martyn Grey College 1974- Chamberlain: 77), Former Assoc- iation President was “Henry Dyson graduated from Durham conferred Durham Uni- University in 1978, having read for a versities third Dunel- Combined Arts Degree at Grey College. This mensis Award, ‘Dunel- nomination is based on his service to Grey since 2000, when he returned at the invitation ABOVE: Henry Dyson mensis’ being Latin for ‘of, belonging to, or of the then Master, Mr Victor Watts, to help from Durham’. Awarded by the University drive forward fundraising and to develop the Senate, once each year, it is the University’s College’s Art Collection. most prestigious award for volunteer service, Since 2000, Henry has performed meritorious given to acknowledge the personal, exemplary and exceptional service in support of the and sustained contributions of an alumnus or University, as evidenced by: his leadership of alumna in facilitating the progress of Durham

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 the Grey College Alumni Association (of Association Representative, providing good which he was President for seven years); his counsel and sound advice in many delicate strong support of the College Trust, of which and important matters. Throughout, he has he is a nominated member; his service to Grey offered opinions that are challenging and College Council; his work as a College Tutor; occasionally unorthodox, but which are and his enhancement of the wider reputation invariably imbued with common sense and of the College and University through foresight. Henry has also been a diligent, development of Grey’s artistic and intellectual hospitable and thoroughly competent College activities. Tutor for many years, providing our students with guidance, good conversation and a During the period of his Presidency, the Grey helpful and reassuring presence at all times. College Alumni Association has grown in size and strength, with excellent reunion events Finally, Henry’s contribution to the aesthetic held both at Grey and in London that have and intellectual life of the College must be been personally organised by Henry. His mentioned in this nomination. His Termly Art energy and enthusiasm for all things Grey has Exhibitions are a well-known feature of Grey ensured that new Association initiatives, for College life that has led, over the years, to the example the Business Angels Scheme, could Trust assembling a considerable portfolio of flourish; and that the travel and self- excellent artworks. He has also assisted the development aspirations of junior members of College to bring an important exhibition to the College could be satisfied, through the Durham from the Reform Club in London; this annual Awards made by the Association. was very well reviewed in the regional and Working with other volunteer members, national press and has strengthened the links Henry has also been responsible for producing between Grey and the influential membership annual editions of the Alumnus Magazine, of the Reform Club. His wide connections in Grey Matters, that are eagerly awaited and are the spheres of business and the arts has also now available in electronic form from the ensured that Durham’s institutional College website. advancement activities have been furthered and that these have led to the enhancing the Henry has been a loyal and highly effective University’s reputation nationally and member of the Grey College Trust for many internationally. years. In that capacity he worked tirelessly to ensure that the plans of the College could be On these grounds, Mr Chancellor and Mr Vice- realised to improve its facilities and to Chancellor, we wish to nominate Mr Henry increase opportunities for the benefit of new Dyson for the Dunelmensis Award.” generations of students. To that end he personally raised significant funds for many Professor Martyn Chamberlain aspects of the Trust’s work, including the Former Master, Grey College continuation and enlargement of the College Visiting Fellowship programme, the provision of student bursaries and for the development of capital projects, including the JCR and Library Extensions. He has himself visited and entertained many potential donors, always acting as an excellent ambassador and advocate for Grey to all manner of persons in the UK and beyond.

As a member of the Council, Henry has ABOVE: Henry Dyson received the Dunelmensis Award assiduously attended all meetings as the from Vice-Chancellor Chris Higgins

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 Chapel News

The search for a new Chaplain It was with great sadness that the College such as leading services, providing pastoral Chaplain, Simon Airey, said goodbye to the support, and maintaining a spiritual presence college last summer to take up a new post as in the college. If you know of any funding vicar in Shropshire. Simon was a tremendous sources or donors who may be able to assist in asset to the college and was especially loved this mission, or would like to make a financial by the students. We wish him and his wife contribution yourself, please contact the Faith well in their new ministry. Master. Your input would be most welcome.

Naturally, this has left the chapel under some We look forward to welcoming you to a strain. The Chapel Committee has managed to chapel service next time you are in Durham. keep a regular pattern of services going, but of course this is only a small part of the role of a The Chapel Committee chaplain, and the committee has been unable Peter Swift, David Clark, and Richard Hilton to provide pastoral support, student engagement and outreach that a dedicated chaplain would.

The college has begun the process of finding funds to support the work of a chaplain, a role with particular emphasis on working with student outreach and community engagement, alongside the regular activities

ABOVE: Durham Cathedral from Prebends Bridge, by Natasha Coral (Natural Sciences Graduate 2011)

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 Grey College Accessories

These items are available from the University Robers, Gray & Son Robemakers (Durham) Ltd, 4 Neville Street, Durham DH1 4EY, telephone 0191 386 4168.

They can also be purchased from the College contact reception on 0191 334 5900. All merchandise bought includes a small donation to the Grey College Trust.

Scarf £18.00 Tie (Polyester) £10.00 Tie (Silk) £21.00 Boat Club Tie (Polyester) £10.00 Bow Tie (Silk) £26.00 Cufflinks £19.00 Shield £29.00 Pewter Tankard £24.00 Lapel Pin £10.00 Prices shown exclude Postage & Packing

Announcements

It has been brought to our attention by Simon 2012 New Year's Honours. All at Grey would J Gleaden (1982-85) that his contemporary like to offer our heartiest congratulations to Brigadier Richard Nugee, who is the Army's Richard for a well deserved award Head of Manning was awarded a C.B.E. in the

Association Executive

Thomas Cliff, President Richard Hilton, Website Editor [email protected] [email protected] Dave Baldwin, Vice President Alan Richards, Treasurer [email protected] [email protected] Foster Neville, Grey Matters Editor Steve Gregory, Secretary [email protected] [email protected] Janet Gyllenspetz Contact via the College

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012 Extensions to the Library and the JCR

ABOVE: The extension to the Victor Watts ABOVE: JCR President Josh Turner, stands ABOVE: A view of the extension to the JCR Library in Holgate House proudly on the new Balcony The first phase of the Jubilee Development project is taking shape, with two major building

projects underway. The extension of the Victor Watts Library in Holgate House is due to be completed during February 2012 and includes: a ;large addition to the study area providing space for up to 20 additional students to study at any one time, an office for the College Librarian and rolling shelves which will quadruple the number of books that the library is able to hold. At the front of College the extension to the JCR is also taking shape and this too is due to be completed during the Epiphany Term with a grand opening during March. The extension will provide much needed additional rooms for the JCR, including an office, a dedicated welfare room and a shop. In addition the extension will provide a balcony for the dining room with amazing views out over the Cathedral. Grey College Association is proud to have supported this project and by working with the University, the College and the JCR we continue to contribute to the development of Grey College and ensure that it will be one of the Universitiy’s stand out Colleges for decades to come.

BELOW: A view of the JCR extension taken from the far side of the BELOW: An internal view of the JCR, with the three archways through croquet lawn. the new offices and meeting rooms.

Grey Matters  FEBRUARY 2012